This series comprises the bulk of the surviving in-letters of the Secretary-at-War's Office between about 1809 and 1857, with some earlier and later papers. Both VOS and OS papers were very heavily weeded from 1904 to 1906, and a large quantity of papers destroyed.
In addition to the large proportion of papers relating to particular officers and soldiers (often in connection with half pay, pensions, annuities and allowances) this series reflects the very wide variety of business both at home and abroad which was conducted by the Secretary-at-War and his Office.